“In spite of” is a powerful phrase that can significantly enhance your IELTS writing by effectively conveying contrast and highlighting unexpected relationships between ideas. This article will delve into the intricacies of using “in spite of,” equipping you with the knowledge and skills to wield it confidently in your IELTS exam.
Consider the following examples illustrating the use of “in spite of” in different sections of the IELTS writing test:
Task 1:
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“In spite of a slight dip in sales in 2015, the company experienced consistent growth overall.” This sentence contrasts the dip in sales with the overall growth trend.
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“The use of public transport decreased between 2000 and 2010, in spite of a growing population.” This highlights the unexpected decrease in public transport usage despite population growth.
Task 2:
- “In spite of the benefits of technology, many argue that it has led to increased social isolation.” This sentence contrasts the advantages of technology with its potential drawbacks.
In each example, “in spite of” effectively emphasizes the surprising or contrasting element, making your writing more engaging and impactful.
Understanding “In Spite of”
“In spite of” is a preposition used to introduce a contrasting idea or situation. It signifies that something happened or is true even though something else might have prevented it. It adds a layer of complexity and sophistication to your writing by showcasing your ability to analyze and connect contrasting ideas.
Using “In Spite of”
Grammatical Structure and Usage:
“In spite of” + noun phrase
Example:
- In spite of the heavy rain, the football match continued.
“In spite of” + the fact that + subject + verb
Example:
- In spite of the fact that he was tired, he stayed up late to finish his work.
Applying “In Spite of” in IELTS Writing:
Task 1: When describing trends in graphs or charts, use “in spite of” to highlight unexpected changes or deviations from the overall pattern.
Example:
- “In spite of a slight decrease in the number of tourists visiting the museum in the winter months, the annual visitor count remained high.”
Task 2: When presenting arguments in your essays, use “in spite of” to acknowledge opposing viewpoints or to contrast different aspects of an issue.
Example:
- “In spite of the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence, its development continues at a rapid pace.”
Mastering Contrast for Higher Band Scores
Using “in spite of” effectively can significantly enhance your writing and contribute to achieving a higher band score. Here’s how:
1. Show a Range of Grammar and Vocabulary: Using “in spite of” along with other contrast connectors like “although,” “despite,” “however,” “nevertheless,” demonstrates your grasp of diverse grammatical structures and vocabulary, which is crucial for higher band scores.
Example:
- “Although some people believe that social media has a negative impact on society, in spite of these concerns, its popularity continues to grow.”
2. Develop Complex Ideas: By using “in spite of,” you can construct sentences that express more complex and nuanced ideas. This demonstrates your ability to analyze and connect different pieces of information, which is a key requirement for higher band scores.
Example:
- “In spite of the economic downturn, the government has decided to increase funding for education, recognizing that a skilled workforce is essential for future growth.”
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect Preposition: Ensure you use “of” after “in spite.” Avoid using other prepositions like “for” or “to.”
Incorrect: In spite for the noise, I could concentrate.
Correct: In spite of the noise, I could concentrate. -
Using with a Clause Instead of a Noun Phrase: Remember that “in spite of” is typically followed by a noun phrase. If you want to use a clause, use “in spite of the fact that.”
Incorrect: In spite of he was tired, he went for a run.
Correct: In spite of the fact that he was tired, he went for a run.
Correct: In spite of his tiredness, he went for a run.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in spite of” can significantly enhance the quality of your writing in the IELTS exam. It allows you to express contrast effectively, connect contrasting ideas, and demonstrate your command of complex grammatical structures. By understanding its usage, practicing its application, and being mindful of common errors, you can confidently incorporate “in spite of” into your writing and improve your chances of achieving a higher band score.